Celebrating exceptional volunteers

Now in its fourth year, the G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Awards celebrate individuals who have given freely of their skills and talents in service of Ryerson students and the university. This year, 37 volunteers will receive the award, taking the total number of those recognized over the 200 mark.  Among the 2021 recipients will be Spanning the Gaps and Environment and Urban Sustainability alumna, Jina Rew, and National Institute on Ageing (NIA) founder and former chair of the Ryerson Board of Governors, Mitch Frazer. 

“It was very touching when I was informed I had been nominated to receive the award,” says Rew. “This year has been challenging to say the least, so receiving a volunteer award like this is a real boost of morale.” 

Since graduating from Spanning the Gaps, Rew has been an exceptional spokesperson, advocate and promoter of the program. She has participated on panels, volunteered at various events and program orientations, and served as a career and academic mentor to current students. Rew has also worked for Housing and Residence Life and volunteered with Students for Mental Awareness Support and Health (SMASH), RU Therapy Dogs, the Environment and Urban Sustainability Student Association (EUSSA) and Ryerson Liberal Arts Society (RLAS) over the course of her undergraduate studies. 

“Volunteering gives me a sense of fulfilment and has led me along many interesting paths,” says Rew. “It has enriched my academic experience and my life.” 

Mitch Frazer, a partner and chair of the Pensions and Employment Practice at Torys LLP, first began volunteering at Ryerson with the Ted Rogers School of Management. In addition to founding the National Institute on Ageing (NIA), he has served on the volunteer board for the Ted Rogers Students’ Society, as a mentor in TRSM’s Top 200 program, and has been an advocate for the school and its students.

Frazer notes that he was first introduced to Ryerson through Premier Bill Davis who connected him with former Ryerson president, Sheldon Levy. “Sheldon got me involved in the last Ryerson capital campaign and the rest is history. 

Frazer has also been instrumental in the realization of Ryerson’s Faculty of Law. He led Torys LLP to become the inaugural scholarship supporter of the school, and has been unwavering in his support of fundraising efforts throughout the legal community and beyond. 

“Receiving this award is a huge honour,” says Frazer.  “Being associated with Ryerson has been one of the great highlights of my life,” he adds.  “It is such an amazing place.  Excellent students, first-class faculty and wonderful staff.  What more could one ask for?” 

The live stream (external link)  of the G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Awards ceremony kicks off on YouTube at 5:00p.m. EST on April 22, 2021. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend and celebrate our university’s exceptional volunteers.